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Programming Python, 3rd Edition
book

Programming Python, 3rd Edition

by Mark Lutz
August 2006
Intermediate to advanced content levelIntermediate to advanced
1600 pages
51h 46m
English
O'Reilly Media, Inc.
Content preview from Programming Python, 3rd Edition

The Compulsory Features List

One way to describe a language is by listing its features. Of course, this will be more meaningful after you’ve seen Python in action; the best I can do now is speak in the abstract. And it’s really how Python’s features work together that make it what it is. But looking at some of Python’s attributes may help define it; Table 1-1 lists some of the common reasons cited for Python’s appeal.

Table 1-1. Python language features

Features

Benefits

No manual compile or link steps

Rapid development cycle turnaround

No type declarations

Simpler, shorter, and more flexible programs

Automatic memory management

Garbage collection avoids bookkeeping code and errors

High-level datatypes and operations

Fast development using built-in object types

Object-oriented programming

Code reuse; C++, Java, COM, and .NET integration

Embedding and extending in C

Optimization, customization, legacy code, system “glue”

Classes, modules, exceptions

Modular “programming-in-the-large” support for large-scale projects

A simple, clear syntax and design

Readability, maintainability, ease of learning, less potential for bugs

Dynamic loading of C modules

Simplified extensions, smaller binary files

Dynamic reloading of Python modules

Programs can be modified without stopping

Universal “first-class” object model

Fewer restrictions, code flexibility

Runtime program construction

Handles unforeseen needs, end-user coding

Interactive, dynamic nature

Incremental development and testing

Access to interpreter information

Metaprogramming, ...

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 0596009259Supplemental ContentErrata Page